Feature Stories

In the heart of one of Asia’s financial hubs, professionals from all nations come together to exchange ideas and collaborate to shape the culture of their generation. It is no surprise that HKUST Business School is full of international students looking to gain an undergraduate business degree and gain insights into the latest financial trends all while diving into the cultural melting pot that Hong Kong affords.

Here is where we meet Villvalin “Ploen” Sulanchupakorn, a bubbly international student from Thailand majoring in Marketing and Finance in the Class of 2026. Growing up in a public school in Thailand, Ploen never considered studying overseas until she went on a ten-month high school exchange program in the United States. This transformative experience opened her eyes to the wider world, in turn leading her to an alumni sharing session which sparked her curiosity of pursuing tertiary education in Hong Kong. Upon further research, the appeal of studying at HKUST caught her eye. “I saw that HKUST offered a lot of scholarships and had one of the most international student bodies in Hong Kong. Plus, the Business School ranked 3rd in Asia at the time, so, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t come to HKUST!”

Campus Life and Global Opportunities 

Life on the HKUST campus is vibrant and enriching, with numerous clubs, societies and events that unite the diverse student body. As an awardee of the HKSAR Scholarship Fund - Belt and Road Scholarship (Thailand), Ploen takes on various campus leadership roles, fully embracing opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange. She actively participates in the Business Student Ambassador (BSA) program and serves on the Business Community Cohort (BCC) organizing committee, where she interacts with students from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds whilst honing her leadership skills. Through initiatives like Be Our Guest @HKUST, which connects local and international students through games and social events, she fosters cultural exchange and unity. Her role as the Marketing Vice President of the Association of Thai Students in Hong Kong and Macau (ATSHM) allows her to promote Thai cultural heritage and engage with the local community. “Through the people I met in these activities, Hong Kong became more like a home, and I also gained an appreciation of my own culture”, she shared.

In her daily life, Ploen cherishes moments of friendship with both local and international peers. English as the medium of instruction facilitates easy collaboration on class assignments and club activities. Having learned Mandarin in high school enables her to practice the language with local and Mainland friends, who are more than happy to teach her new phrases. Together with fellow international students, Ploen explores the diverse landscapes of Hong Kong and neighboring cities such as Shenzhen and Macao. Surrounded by the scenic sea and mountain views from her residence, she enjoys meals and conversations with her hallmates in the common areas. “The most cherished opportunities I have had here as an international student are the network and the friendships I’ve made. One unforgettable memory was when my local roommate invited me to her family's Lunar New Year celebration because she was concerned I might be alone in Hong Kong. I was truly touched,” she reflected.

HKUST’s global outlook fosters an international campus environment with partnerships spanning over 150 institutions worldwide. Ploen capitalized on this by participating in a summer exchange to Austria, supported by the university’s exchange funding. “Getting to experience a slow lifestyle in Austria compared to Hong Kong helped me unwind and live another life that I had never experienced before.” Her current spring semester exchange at IE Business School in the Spanish capital Madrid further showcases the diversity and opportunities to explore different cultures at HKUST.

Career Development

Beyond fostering cultural bonds, HKUST prepares students for success in international careers and exposes them to different fields of interest. “Coming to study in Hong Kong, especially at HKUST, opened my eyes to so many career paths like consulting and finance.” The university provides extensive career resources, including a Job Board, Career Mosaic on-campus recruitment weeks, and alumni sharing sessions, all designed to encourage students to pursue internships. Ploen took advantage of these resources and interned as a digital marketer with the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok.

When Ploen first arrived at HKUST, she had a clear vision of a career in marketing, but the broad-based curriculum in her first year inspired her to pursue a second major in Finance. “I found everything interesting in its own way. Studying introductory Finance courses made me realize the importance of financial knowledge for career growth.” She believed that combining Marketing and Finance opens a broader range of career paths for leadership positions. More recently, she had a foray into the consulting industry through the Cambridge Consulting Network (CNN) and the course LABU 2040 Business Case Analyses, gaining exposure to identifying root problems and pitching unique solutions. “The business courses here help you develop the skills needed in the industry and figure out what you like because they provide broad exposure to different kinds of business,” Ploen added.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Ploen aspires to work as a marketing professional in a multinational setting after graduation. Whether she stays in Hong Kong, returns to Thailand or ventures further afield, she aims to continue gaining exposure and experience across new markets. “I will seek a job I truly enjoy because we need to spend almost all our time at work!” she remarked.

To enjoy and make the most of studying overseas, Ploen advises students to develop good time management and planning skills while maintaining a clear focus on their goals. “Planning ahead is crucial to enjoy everything you want to do in life. Stand firm on what you want to do and don't be swayed by other people’s opinions, because in the end, we all have our own pathways to success.”

Ploen encourages everyone to participate in activities that interest them, as only by bravely taking the initiative will one find comfort and happiness in their home away from home. “Be open to all the chances you see, meet new people, and you will find your right place in this second home.”

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